RCMP release video of suspect who threw acid in woman's face

Surrey
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Although the acid attack took place in September, the RCMP in Surrey, British Columbia are just now releasing surveillance video and pictures of three suspects, one of whom is believed to be the perpetrator.

A press conference was held yesterday by the Surrey detachment of the RCMP. The force is requesting the public's assistance in identifying the man who threw acid in a woman's face in what appears to have been a targeted attack. Police released the video and photographs after exhausting all other means of investigation.

If police are aware of a possible motive for the acid attack, they are not disclosing it.

RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet said, "This attack had devastating consequences for the victim, considering the weapon used. Over the past five months, we have been working diligently on this case and are now hoping the public will be able to assist us in apprehending the individual responsible."

The man who threw the acid is the one on the right in the released photo, wearing checkered shorts, a black baseball cap, white running shoes and a dark hoodie. He is described as being in his 20s or 30s, between 5' 6" and 5' 10" tall, having short blond or light brown hair and carrying a clear glass jar containing a liquid. Police are also interested in talking to the two men who are seen accompanying him in the photograph.

Around 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2013, police arrived at Sinclair Motor Sports in Surrey. Owner Tammy Sinclair told officers someone she thought was a customer threw hydrochloric acid in her face. Sinclair said, "I remember talking to the gentleman, I remember something thrown at me, and going back, and I couldn't breathe.

Sinclair suffered burns to her face and neck as well as damage to her eyesight.

Police believe the attacker fled in a waiting green car; either a Dodge Colt or a Geo Metro.

Tammy Sinclair's husband Gordon said it could have been worse. "My wife dodged a bullet by turning away just as he was throwing it at her." Gordon Sinclair described the last five months as "a living hell." He said they are suspicious of every customer that comes into their shop and are always looking over their shoulders.

Comments on various media websites have been critical of the RCMP, asking why they waited more than five months to release the video and the photographs.

The Surrey detachment is asking anyone with information to contact them at a special tip line, 604-599-7676 or to call Crime Stoppers.